Have too much eggplant? Or some large eggplant you don't know what to do with? How about trying fermentation? Here is a DELICIOUS way to preserve eggplant! You'll be giving your body some probiotic goodness at the same time! :-)

You CAN make your own necessities! You'll be better off for it, save TONS of money, and feel empowered that you just don't need to run to the store! I've been making many of my own things for years, and it's just really added up! You, too, can make things yourself, and save TONS of money and have higher quality products to use. Making your own things is part of being self-sufficient!

Are YOU a homesteader? Doesn't really matter where you live! People who consider themselves to be homesteaders fill the spectrum of people---city dwellers, suburbanites, ruralists, and they come from many different cultures and groups. But there are a few characteristics they share. How do you know if you are a homesteader? Well, you might be a homesteader IF.....

Oh My Gosh! I just love this hot process recipe for Lavender-Rosemary-Vanilla exfoliating soap! The blend of essential oils in this soap is extraordinary! I just can't think of a better word. The Lavender is calming, the Rosemary increases clarity, and the Vanilla is just plain soothing. I also add a natural colorant of French Pink Clay which gives the soap an amazing "slip." This means it's great for shaving too! I add in some organic Lavender flowers for texture and exfoliation---and BAM! Amazing, lathering, long lasting, natural herbal soap that is GREAT for your skin, mind, and spirit!

How and Why to Shop Like a Minimalist! So, with fear and trepidation (insert scary music), as I get ready to really go LOOK at the most cluttered place in our home (The Loft) and make a plan to actually follow through to declutter it and make it beautiful, I am sitting here thinking that OBVIOUSLY, if I had been thinking like a Minimalist BEFORE I bought all that "stuff," then I wouldn't be having to spend my time on this project now!

Lemon Essential Oil has so many uses, not to mention the fact that it smells delicious and joyful! It's one of the most "happy" oils out there! Find out about the INSANE things you need to know about using lemon essential oil!

WARNING: This soap is nearly black---and with a little more Alkanet Root Powder, it would be even more so. My Mystic Soap also has a smoky, sensual, slightly "hippy" scent. I love it! I once had a lady order a whole block of it from me! But....some people don't care for it. If you don't like Patchouli, Frankincense, or exotic scents, maybe it's not for you. But I do absolutely LOVE it. And so do others, evidently. It makes me feel grounded, warm, and sexy. This is seriously one of those "love it or hate it" kind of soaps!

We had a tragedy the other day. I especially felt the pain of it, because I had allowed myself to become so attached to Little Mama. She is one of our turkey hens, and she became egg-bound---a very dangerous condition. Here is what we did.

EVERY gal MUST have a Get Home Bag in her car and/or with her at all times! If something happens, it pays to be ready for any emergency! If you have to walk any distance....you must have supplies on hand. Not to mention....some extras in your vehicle! Find out what a gal must have in her bag!

When you start using herbs, you quickly find out how much power you have over your own health! And the absolutely amazing thing is that you probably already HAVE some of these herbs in your kitchen RIGHT NOW!

This past Fall, I was sent a free 10 mL bottle of Marjoram Essential Oil from doTerra. I said, "Marjoram? Why?" I seriously did not know what to do with it! And isn't that the way with essential oils or herbs when your first begin to know a plant? If you are new to a plant (essential oil or herb), you really must get to know it intimately and actually USE it. Then you know how it works on the body and how it specifically works for YOU. This goes for herbs as well as essential oils.

This is seriously one of my best-smelling soaps! Men love it. Women love it! It's just loved by everyone! Scented with Cinnamon, Vanilla, and Patchouli essential oils and colored with Rose Kaolin Clay and Organic Ground Cinnamon---It's just a wonderful soap that has never disappointed! You'll love this one! Here are directions and the recipe! :-) Enjoy!

So, I wrote this article with the complete beginner to prepping and food storage in mind. But even if you already have food storage going on, I recommend taking a look because I have found that everyone's opinions differ. It's a really good idea to have a broad view of the topic, then make your own decisions.

I have to laugh...I used to think Tea Tree Essential Oil was stinky! :-) It's amazing what happens to your perception about something once you realize the value of it! Right? Tea Tree Oil is one of the oils I think every single home should have on hand all the time! It's great for so many things and has some absolutely amazing properties! Find out more!

Don't forget to SIGN UP for our Weekly Newsletter so you Never Miss a Thing! When you do, I'll be sending you my eBook "How to Relax in the Evening Using Herbs," FREE! You can unsubscribe at any time, and your privacy is always safe. Just CLICK HERE!